Physical Health Myanmar Project #15563

The Amazing Project - Stepping Back to Burma

by DARE Network (Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Network)

Project Report | Nov 2, 2016
Working hard under difficult circumstances

By Jonatan L. Fredsgaard | External relations intern

Client (left) is reunited with his family.

It’s time to bring an update from our treatment centre in Karen state, Burma. By the end of August our first ever treatment cycle at our new treatment centre in T’ree Hpoh Kwee came to an end, and the 27 clients were reunited with their families at the graduation celebration. For some of the clients it was the first time in three months that they got to see their families, since the rainy season floods had destroyed the roads, making it cumbersome to travel.

The reunion was an immense experience to clients and family members alike.

Fighting

The rewarding feeling after a job well done, and the anticipation before the next treatment cycle set to start by September was soon replaced by a feeling of alarm, as fighting broke out in Karen state on the 4^th of September. As a consequence of the conflict, roads were closed, which resulted in fewer clients being able to make the trip to the treatment centre. Despite the armed conflict, DARE Network staff stayed at the treatment centre, allowing for a new treatment cycle to begin. Currently 19 clients are being treated at the centre in T’ree Hpoh Kwee, set to graduate by the beginning of December 2016. The conflict cooled down by the end of September, and neither clients nor DARE Network staff was injured during the fighting. The safety of clients and staff are of the highest concern to us, and during the time of conflict, a communication system was established, with hourly updates on the situation. The communication chain was a collaboration between our staff at the treatment centre in T’ree Hpoh Kwee, DARE Network village coordinators in 20 Karen villages, local authorities and locals, and it helped us qualify the decisions being made to keep clients and staff safe. DARE Network would like to thank all the people who helped us keeping up the treatment during the recent conflict.

Currently the conflict has ceased, and we hope that the relative stability will allow for more clients to attend our 3^rd treatment cycle that will begin by the start of January 2017.

Before the next treatment cycle, we will be putting a lot of effort into disseminating our treatment offers at the T’ree Hpoh Kwee centre, through our 20 village coordinators, village leaders, local authorities, and through our monthly education and prevention education in the 20 villages that we are present in, in Karen state. The recent events are a testimonial as to how motivated, and hardworking our staff in Karen state is, and gives us great sense of pride and hope for the future.

Clients and their family at the gradutation.

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Aug 9, 2016
First Treatment Cycle in Karen State...Ever

By Pam Rogers | Capacity Advisor/Addiction Trainer

DARE Centre, Karen State

On May 10th officials from Karen State in Burma, National League for Democracy representatives, local residents, DARE Network Core staff and the first brave Addiction Workers opened the DARE Network Centre in the jungle.

30 clients began detox and treatment in the bamboo and wooden centre in the mountains, in the western part of Karen State, Burma, near the border with Thailand.

Just as in 2002 when DARE Network received their very first clients in Thailand, people with the most severe addictions were sent for treatment. Long-term addicts and alcoholics arrived full of fear and drugs and alcohol. The DARE Network Addiction workers prepared to be tested by the addicts themselves, as well as the communities who helped them come. Expectations are high and the pressure is on.

The detox is trying for all. People have been using alcohol all their lives and many are addicted to methamphetamines and opium, as well. The DARE Addiction workers apply their skills and their tools. Clients are reassured as the withdrawal symptoms begin. Assesments are made, decisions are made. Acupunture is given and herbal medicine dispensed. Food is offered. Attention is paid 24 hours a day for the next 10 days.

Most clients start to feel better after a week. Some are not so lucky and need special care. One even runs away into the jungle, at night. The headman of the village and the DARE Staff send out a party to find him, which they do huddling in the forest, not know where he is. They bring him back safely.

At DARE there are no bonds, no fences, no locks. The only chains are a chain of people working together with dedication and love to help people move away from the chains of addiction.

The next 3 months are filled with education, therapy, art, music, exercise and healthful food. Families come for visits and can hardly believe the changes in their loved ones. Their hope is palpable. They are also given education and knowledge of what to expect, how they can help.

And finally, graduation day arrives. Celebration of recovery. And now off to their homes and families.

The DARE Staff are tired but satisfied. A little break and onto the next.

Clients and families

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May 17, 2016
DARE Network Opens First Training Treatment Centre

By Pam Rogers | Capacity Advisor/Addiction Trainer

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